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DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS (Details) (USD $)
2 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Oct. 10, 2012
Mar. 31, 2015
Jan. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Feb. 01, 2015
Feb. 03, 2015
Feb. 02, 2015
Jun. 25, 2014
Aug. 07, 2013
Apr. 23, 2010
Dec. 10, 2010
Debt and other obligations                        
Total debt $ 1,669,637,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount   1,669,637,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount                  
Total subordinated debt securities 454,225,000us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt   454,225,000us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt                  
Non-recourse funding obligations 641,600,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations   641,600,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations                  
Repurchase program borrowings 510,123,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseLiability   510,123,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseLiability                  
Collateral pledged for repurchase agreements 560,233,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue   560,233,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue                  
Overnight and Continuous                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Collateral pledged for repurchase agreements 549,938,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis
= us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember
  549,938,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis
= us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember
                 
Up to 30 days                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Collateral pledged for repurchase agreements 10,295,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis
= us-gaap_MaturityUpTo30DaysMember
  10,295,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis
= us-gaap_MaturityUpTo30DaysMember
                 
U.S. government-related securities.                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Collateral pledged for repurchase agreements 63,896,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
  63,896,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
                 
U.S. government-related securities. | Overnight and Continuous                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Collateral pledged for repurchase agreements 53,601,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis
= us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
  53,601,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis
= us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
                 
U.S. government-related securities. | Up to 30 days                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Collateral pledged for repurchase agreements 10,295,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis
= us-gaap_MaturityUpTo30DaysMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
  10,295,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis
= us-gaap_MaturityUpTo30DaysMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember
                 
Loans                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Collateral pledged for repurchase agreements 496,337,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_LoansMember
  496,337,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_LoansMember
                 
Loans | Overnight and Continuous                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Collateral pledged for repurchase agreements 496,337,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis
= us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_LoansMember
  496,337,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedLoansPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis
= us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_LoansMember
                 
Golden Gate II                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Non-recourse funding obligations 118,171,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
  118,171,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
                 
Non-recourse funding obligations held by affiliates 430,100,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligationsHeldByAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
  430,100,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligationsHeldByAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
                 
Non-recourse funding obligations held by external parties 144,900,000pl_NonRecourseFundingObligationsHeldByExternalParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
  144,900,000pl_NonRecourseFundingObligationsHeldByExternalParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
                 
Payments under support agreement obligation 0pl_AmountPayableUnderSupportAgreement
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
  0pl_AmountPayableUnderSupportAgreement
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
                 
Amount of support agreement obligations collateralized 1,900,000pl_AmountOfObligationsCollateralizedUnderSupportAgreement
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
  1,900,000pl_AmountOfObligationsCollateralizedUnderSupportAgreement
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
                 
Year-to-date weighted-average interest rate of non-recourse funding obligations (as a percent) 2.75%pl_NonrecourseFundingObligationsWeightedAverageInterestRateYearToDate
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
                     
Outstanding non-recourse funding obligations 575,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligationsOutstanding
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
  575,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligationsOutstanding
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIMember
                 
Golden Gate V and Red Mountain                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Term of transaction   20 years                    
Maximum financing capacity under transaction   945,000,000pl_IntraEntityTransactionMaximumFinancingCapacity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_TransactionBetweenGoldenGateVAndRedMountainMember
                   
Payments under support agreement obligation 0pl_AmountPayableUnderSupportAgreement
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_TransactionBetweenGoldenGateVAndRedMountainMember
  0pl_AmountPayableUnderSupportAgreement
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_TransactionBetweenGoldenGateVAndRedMountainMember
                 
Golden Gate V                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateVMember
  6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateVMember
                 
Maximum financing capacity under transaction 945,000,000pl_IntraEntityTransactionMaximumFinancingCapacity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateVMember
  945,000,000pl_IntraEntityTransactionMaximumFinancingCapacity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateVMember
                 
Non-recourse funding obligations 520,864,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateVMember
  520,864,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateVMember
                 
Year-to-date weighted-average interest rate of non-recourse funding obligations (as a percent) 5.12%pl_NonrecourseFundingObligationsWeightedAverageInterestRateYearToDate
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateVMember
                     
Outstanding non-recourse funding obligations 455,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligationsOutstanding
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateVMember
  455,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligationsOutstanding
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateVMember
                 
Red Mountain                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Maximum financing capacity under transaction   945,000,000pl_IntraEntityTransactionMaximumFinancingCapacity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_RedMountainLLCMember
                   
Principal amount of note issued 455,000,000pl_IntraEntityTransactionPrincipalAmountOfNoteToBeIssued
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_RedMountainLLCMember
275,000,000pl_IntraEntityTransactionPrincipalAmountOfNoteToBeIssued
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_RedMountainLLCMember
455,000,000pl_IntraEntityTransactionPrincipalAmountOfNoteToBeIssued
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_RedMountainLLCMember
                 
Future scheduled capital contributions 139,600,000pl_FutureScheduledCapitalContributions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_RedMountainLLCMember
                     
Golden Gate III                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Payments under support agreement obligation 0pl_AmountPayableUnderSupportAgreement
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
  0pl_AmountPayableUnderSupportAgreement
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
                 
Future scheduled capital contributions 122,500,000pl_FutureScheduledCapitalContributions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
                     
Maximum borrowing capacity under letter of credit                 915,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
710,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
505,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
 
Maximum amount up to which LOC will be periodically increased                 935,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumAmountUpToWhichBorrowingCapacityWillBeIncreased
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
720,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumAmountUpToWhichBorrowingCapacityWillBeIncreased
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
610,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumAmountUpToWhichBorrowingCapacityWillBeIncreased
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
 
Outstanding letters of credit (LOC) 935,000,000us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
  935,000,000us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
                 
Letter of credit term 15 years                      
Number of installments in which future scheduled capital contributions payable 3pl_NumberOfInstallmentsInWhichFutureScheduledCapitalContributionsIsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIIIMember
                     
Golden Gate IV                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Payments under support agreement obligation 0pl_AmountPayableUnderSupportAgreement
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIVMember
  0pl_AmountPayableUnderSupportAgreement
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIVMember
                 
Maximum borrowing capacity under letter of credit 760,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIVMember
  760,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIVMember
                270,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIVMember
Maximum amount up to which LOC will be periodically increased 790,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumAmountUpToWhichBorrowingCapacityWillBeIncreased
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIVMember
  790,000,000pl_LettersOfCreditMaximumAmountUpToWhichBorrowingCapacityWillBeIncreased
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateIVMember
                 
Letter of credit term 12 years                      
MONY                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Non-recourse funding obligations 2,565,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_MONYLifeInsuranceCompanyMember
  2,565,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_MONYLifeInsuranceCompanyMember
                 
Year-to-date weighted-average interest rate of non-recourse funding obligations (as a percent) 6.19%pl_NonrecourseFundingObligationsWeightedAverageInterestRateYearToDate
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_MONYLifeInsuranceCompanyMember
                     
Predecessor                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Total debt         1,300,000,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Total subordinated debt securities         540,593,000us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Non-recourse funding obligations         582,404,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Repurchase program borrowings         50,000,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseLiability
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Repurchase Program Borrowings                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program 560,200,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedSecuritiesPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
  560,200,000us-gaap_PledgedAssetsSeparatelyReportedSecuritiesPledgedForRepurchaseAgreementsAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
                 
Repurchase program borrowings 510,100,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseLiability
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
  510,100,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseLiability
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
                 
Average borrowing rate (as a percent) 0.15%pl_ReverseRepurchaseLiabilityAverageInterestRate
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
                     
Maximum balance outstanding 607,600,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseMaximumBalanceOutstanding
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
  607,600,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseMaximumBalanceOutstanding
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
                 
Average daily balance 381,300,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseAverageDailyBalance
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
  381,300,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseAverageDailyBalance
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
                 
Average borrowing rate (as a percent) 0.15%pl_ReverseRepurchaseAverageDailyBalanceAtAverageInterestRate
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
                     
Repurchase Program Borrowings | Maximum                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Term of debt     90 days                  
Repurchase Program Borrowings | Predecessor                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Maximum balance outstanding       175,000,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseMaximumBalanceOutstanding
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
633,700,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseMaximumBalanceOutstanding
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Average daily balance       77,400,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseAverageDailyBalance
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
470,400,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseAverageDailyBalance
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Average borrowing rate (as a percent)       0.16%pl_ReverseRepurchaseAverageDailyBalanceAtAverageInterestRate
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
0.11%pl_ReverseRepurchaseAverageDailyBalanceAtAverageInterestRate
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Outstanding balance         50,000,000pl_ReverseRepurchaseBalanceOutstanding
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= pl_RepurchaseProgramBorrowingsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Revolving Line of Credit                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Total debt 545,000,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
  545,000,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
                 
Revolving Line of Credit | Predecessor                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Total debt         450,000,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
6.40% Senior Notes (2007), due 2018                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 6.40%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes6.40PercentDue2018Member
  6.40%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes6.40PercentDue2018Member
                 
Total debt 167,090,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes6.40PercentDue2018Member
  167,090,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes6.40PercentDue2018Member
                 
6.40% Senior Notes (2007), due 2018 | Predecessor                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         6.40%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes6.40PercentDue2018Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Total debt         150,000,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes6.40PercentDue2018Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
7.375% Senior Notes (2009), due 2019                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 7.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes7.375PercentDue2019Member
  7.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes7.375PercentDue2019Member
                 
Total debt 486,671,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes7.375PercentDue2019Member
  486,671,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes7.375PercentDue2019Member
                 
7.375% Senior Notes (2009), due 2019 | Predecessor                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         7.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes7.375PercentDue2019Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Total debt         400,000,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes7.375PercentDue2019Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
8.45% Senior Notes (2009), due 2039                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 8.45%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes8.45PercentDue2039Member
  8.45%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes8.45PercentDue2039Member
                 
Total debt 470,876,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes8.45PercentDue2039Member
  470,876,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes8.45PercentDue2039Member
                 
8.45% Senior Notes (2009), due 2039 | Predecessor                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         8.45%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes8.45PercentDue2039Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Total debt         300,000,000us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeniorNotes8.45PercentDue2039Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
6.125% Subordinated Debentures (2004), due 2034, callable 2009                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 6.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.125PercentDue2034Member
  6.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.125PercentDue2034Member
                 
Repayment of debt 103,100,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.125PercentDue2034Member
                     
6.125% Subordinated Debentures (2004), due 2034, callable 2009 | Predecessor                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         6.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.125PercentDue2034Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Total subordinated debt securities         103,093,000us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.125PercentDue2034Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
6.25% Subordinated Debentures (2012) due 2042, callable 2017                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.25PercentDue2042Member
  6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.25PercentDue2042Member
                 
Total subordinated debt securities 300,050,000us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.25PercentDue2042Member
  300,050,000us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.25PercentDue2042Member
                 
6.25% Subordinated Debentures (2012) due 2042, callable 2017 | Predecessor                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.25PercentDue2042Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Total subordinated debt securities         287,500,000us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.25PercentDue2042Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
6.00% Subordinated Debentures (2012) due 2042, callable 2017                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 6.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.00PercentDue2042Member
  6.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.00PercentDue2042Member
                 
Total subordinated debt securities 154,175,000us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.00PercentDue2042Member
  154,175,000us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.00PercentDue2042Member
                 
6.00% Subordinated Debentures (2012) due 2042, callable 2017 | Predecessor                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         6.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.00PercentDue2042Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Total subordinated debt securities         150,000,000us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SubordinatedDebentures6.00PercentDue2042Member
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Credit Facility                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity           750,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
           
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity to be granted upon entity's request           1,000,000,000pl_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityGrantedUponRequest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
           
Base of floating rate interest rate payments           LIBOR            
Facility fee percentage           0.175%us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
           
Credit Facility | Federal Funds Rate                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Base of floating rate interest rate payments           Federal Funds rate            
Interest rate added to the base rate (as a percent)           0.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_BaseRateMember
           
Credit Facility | Prime Rate                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Base of floating rate interest rate payments           prime rate            
Credit Facility | LIBOR One-Month Rate                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Base of floating rate interest rate payments           one-month LIBOR            
Interest rate added to the base rate (as a percent)           1.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= pl_DebtInstrumentVariableRateBaseLIBOROneMonthMember
           
Credit Facility | Predecessor                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Line of credit, amount outstanding         450,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCredit
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
Credit Facility | Predecessor | LIBOR                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Base of floating rate interest rate payments         LIBOR              
Interest rate added to the base rate (as a percent)         1.20%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
             
Letter of Credit | PLICO                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Outstanding letters of credit (LOC) 55,000,000us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_PLICOMember
  55,000,000us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_PLICOMember
                 
Letter of Credit | Predecessor | PLICO                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Outstanding letters of credit (LOC)         55,000,000us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_PLICOMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= us-gaap_PredecessorMember
             
2015 Credit Facility                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity               1,000,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_AmendedLineOfCreditMember
       
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity to be granted upon entity's request               1,250,000,000pl_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityGrantedUponRequest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_AmendedLineOfCreditMember
       
Base of floating rate interest rate payments               LIBOR        
Facility fee percentage             0.125%us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_AmendedLineOfCreditMember
0.15%us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_AmendedLineOfCreditMember
       
Line of credit, amount outstanding 545,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCredit
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_AmendedLineOfCreditMember
  545,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCredit
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_AmendedLineOfCreditMember
                 
2015 Credit Facility | LIBOR                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Base of floating rate interest rate payments LIBOR                      
Interest rate added to the base rate (as a percent) 1.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_AmendedLineOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
                     
2015 Credit Facility | Federal Funds Rate                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Base of floating rate interest rate payments               Federal Funds rate        
Interest rate added to the base rate (as a percent)               0.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_AmendedLineOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_BaseRateMember
       
2015 Credit Facility | Prime Rate                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Base of floating rate interest rate payments               Prime rate        
2015 Credit Facility | LIBOR One-Month Rate                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Base of floating rate interest rate payments               one month LIBOR        
Interest rate added to the base rate (as a percent)               1.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_AmendedLineOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= pl_DebtInstrumentVariableRateBaseLIBOROneMonthMember
       
Non-recourse Funding Obligations Series | Golden Gate                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Number of series of non-recourse funding obligations 3pl_NumberOfSeriesOfNonRecourseFundingObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesOfNonRecourseFundingObligationsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
                     
Non-recourse funding obligations 800,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesOfNonRecourseFundingObligationsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
  800,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesOfNonRecourseFundingObligationsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
                 
Series A1 Non-recourse Funding Obligation | Golden Gate                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 7.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA1NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
  7.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA1NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
                 
Non-recourse funding obligations 400,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA1NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
  400,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA1NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
                 
Series A2 Non-recourse Funding Obligation | Golden Gate                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 8.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA2NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
  8.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA2NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
                 
Non-recourse funding obligations 100,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA2NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
  100,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA2NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
                 
Series A3 Non-recourse Funding Obligation | Golden Gate                        
Debt and other obligations                        
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 8.45%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA3NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
  8.45%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA3NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
                 
Non-recourse funding obligations $ 300,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA3NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember
  300,000,000pl_NonrecourseFundingObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= pl_SeriesA3NonRecourseFundingObligationMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= pl_GoldenGateMember